REDMOND, Wash., April 26, 2001 — The bottom line for survival in today’s economy is maximizing automation for streamlined processes. To achieve this, businesses today demand a different kind of database solution. By deploying Microsoft® SQL Server™ 2000 Windows® CE Edition, leading companies such as Nabisco Inc., Creeden & Associates and Rubicon Technologies have optimized business processes, lowered transaction costs and reduced overall administrative costs by extending the benefits of a world-class database to their mobile work force. More details about these successes can be found at http://microsoft.com/sql/productinfo/cecasestudies.htm .

Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Windows CE Edition (SQL Server CE) is the compact database for rapidly developing applications that extend enterprise data management capabilities to devices. SQL Server CE has the familiarity of SQL Server, with tools, APIs and SQL grammar that minimize development time. In addition, the SQL Server CE engine exposes an essential set of relational database features — including an optimizing query processor, support for transactions and assorted data types — while maintaining a compact footprint that preserves precious system resources. Remote data access and merge replication, which work over HTTP and support encryption, ensure that data from enterprise SQL Server databases is reliably delivered and that this data can be manipulated offline and synchronized later to the server. This functionality makes SQL Server CE ideal for mobile and wireless scenarios.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software — any time, any place and on any device.

Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft’s corporate information pages.